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From: jim@tiamat.fsc.com ( IT Manager)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp
Subject: Re: HP 700 series multi-user performance?
Message-ID: <825@tiamat.fsc.com>
Date: 24 Apr 91 19:56:57 GMT
References: <29280004@teecs.UUCP>
Organization: Ahlstrom Filtration - Chattanooga,TN
Lines: 42

In article <29280004@teecs.UUCP>, belkin@teecs.UUCP (Hershel Belkin) writes:
> I imagine it should be good (say for up to 16 or so users), given
> the speed (processor, disc, I/O bus, etc.).  I also imagine that
> the only practical way to use them muti-user would be through
> the use of a LAN-based terminal server (which is OK by me).  What
> I am interested in is connecting a number of "dumb" terminals, NOT
> additional workstations!

We use Annex termninal servers (the new Annex III looks really nice, BTW)
to connect dumb terminals over TCP/IP to an 835 and 815.  Multi-user
on the 835 is good, with about 20 terminal users on average.  Since we
(the IT dept.) are also running X clients off the 835, it is supporting
more than just the terminals.

All the info I've seen so far seems to indicate that any of the 700's
should blow away an 835, so your only trouble may be in having to
pay for a multi-user license.

> It seems to me that given the price/performance of these machines,
> they should be able to make a serious dent in the market for
> small systems (business, accounting, etc). which is now being
> served by 386 and 486 machines running DOS or Xenix.  I for one
> would much rather install a 700-series box running HP-UX and a 
> bunch of terminals!!  If this is a viable "entry-level" multi-user
> system, then I'm really excited!  My intuition tells me that 
> it should easily outperform a 386/486 running Xenix with up to 
> 16 users.  Am I wrong?  Please tell me I'm right! :-)

I would bet that you are right, but unless it's very easy to attach
third-party SCSI drives to the 700 SCSI bus, adding disk and tape drives
would be less expensive for an Intel-based machine.  Also, while there
are cheap terminal servers, really good (i.e. easy to work with) TS's
are not that cheap.  Quality serial port hardware can be had for a 386
for about $100 per port, sometimes less.

So, while an HP 700 with dumb terminals would make a very well
performing system, it may not be the most cost-effective over a long
period for a small business (I'd imagine that the cost of HP support and
maintenance would be hard for a small business to swallow).
------------- 
James B. O'Connor			jim@tiamat.fsc.com
Ahlstrom Filtration, Inc.		615/821-4022 x. 651